Philippines ends offensive against small Muslim rebel group

March 31, 2015 8:45 AM

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MAMAPASANO, Philippines (Reuters) - The Philippine military on Tuesday ended a five-week all-out offensive against a small but violent splinter group of its largest Muslim rebel group, allowing around 90,000 displaced residents to return home.

Residents of the poor, marshy town of Mamasapano, 1,682 kilometers (1,045 miles) from the capital, Manila, chanted "Allahu Akbar" and applauded as the military chief said they could return to homes and farms, while the army hunts for members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) group.